Overview

Dry whiskey, Divine herb, Devil's root, Medicine of God, Peyote: for some people, to use it is to hear colors and see sounds. For many Native Americans, it brings an ability to reach out of their physical lives, to communicate with the spirits, and to become complete. For chemists, pharmacologists, and psychiatrists, the plant is fascinating in its complexity and in the ways its chemicals work upon the human mind.What is it in peyote that causes such unusual effects? Can modern medical science learn anything from Native Americans' use of peyote in curing a wide variety of ailments? What is the Native American Church, and how do its members use peyote? Does anyone have the legal right to use drugs or controlled substances in religious ceremonies?Within this volume are answers to these and dozens of other questions surrounding the controversial and remarkable cactus. Greatly expanded and brought up-to-date from the 1980 edition, these pages describe peyote ceremonies and the users' experiences, and also cover the many scientific and legal aspects of using the plant. Well written, informative, comprehensive, and enlightening, the book will be welcomed by counselors, anthropologists, historians, physicians, chemists, lawyers, and observers of the contemporary drug scene, as well as by interested general readers.

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9780816516537

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Drugs have had an extraordinary impact on contemporary life in this country. . . . No other social problem has generated so much debate and controversy. No other area of public policy formulation is so riddled with half-truths and false information. Edward Anderson's book fills a gap that needed to be filled. --Journal of Psychoactive Drugs This book will certainly contribute to a better understanding and respect for this substance. --Drug Survival News Especially admirable [are] its relatively objective tone and the breadth of its learning. . . . a tour de force of interdisciplinary scholarship. --Arizona and the West Each chapter is extremely informative and enlightening. . . . [The book exhibits] deep sensitivity and understanding . . . for the plight of the Mexican and American Indians in their desire to use peyote in the face of the white man's prohibitions against it. --Street Pharmacologist

Drugs have had an extraordinary impact on contemporary life in this country. . . . No other social problem has generated so much debate and controversy. No other area of public policy formulation is so riddled with half-truths and false information. Edward Anderson s book fills a gap that needed to be filled. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs This book will certainly contribute to a better understanding and respect for this substance. Drug Survival News Especially admirable [are] its relatively objective tone and the breadth of its learning. . . . a tour de force of interdisciplinary scholarship. Arizona and the West Each chapter is extremely informative and enlightening. . . . [The book exhibits] deep sensitivity and understanding . . . for the plight of the Mexican and American Indians in their desire to use peyote in the face of the white man s prohibitions against it. Street Pharmacologist

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